Buying an (expensive) used car - wisdom needed!

[Z064life]

So I'm looking to buy a used car (R35 GT-R) and have seen a few that take my fancy. One thing that worries me is when I look at dealer reviews, there are either 4/5 stars or people rating 1 star on the basis that they brought a car that broke down etc. Obviously I don't want the latter to happen so, given that this is my first car purchase (full NCB built on the family car), what wisdom should I be aware of? Are RAC/AA inspections worth considering? I know all the documented defects with the marque itself so will look out for this.


Any advice appreciated!

[JamesRR]

I’ve no personal experience of GTRs, but I’d imagine with them it would be wise to employ an independent marque specialist to conduct a pre purchase examination, rather than the RAC etc. Just with regards the specialist nature of the car.

[Z064life]

JamesRR said:

I’ve no personal experience of GTRs, but I’d imagine with them it would be wise to employ an independent marque specialist to conduct a pre purchase examination, rather than the RAC etc. Just with regards the specialist nature of the car.

Would agree but that wouldn't be practical? I.E. I can't borrow someone from one of the indy garages for a day?

[Hungrymc]

I’d be looking to buy from a specialist. I’m No expert on these but the older cars have a few issues that need to be addressed don’t they (mainly gearbox related)? My understanding is that some of these things are not “if they happen” so you would want to see evidence of them being done. They’re also very service sensitive and there must be a lot of dubious mods out there.

I’ve no idea if an AA type inspection will look for the GTR specific items which is why I’d probably be prepared to pay a little more from a specialist with better comeback and hopefully better vetting of the car in the first place.

[nej606k]

How about joining an owner's club if there is one?

[Z064life]

Hungrymc said:

I’d be looking to buy from a specialist. I’m No expert on these but the older cars have a few issues that need to be addressed don’t they (mainly gearbox related)? My understanding is that some of these things are not “if they happen” so you would want to see evidence of them being done. They’re also very service sensitive and there must be a lot of dubious mods out there.

I’ve no idea if an AA type inspection will look for the GTR specific items which is why I’d probably be prepared to pay a little more from a specialist with better comeback and hopefully better vetting of the car in the first place.

The right car at a specialist does not come by often at all

Yeah earlier cars had gearbox issue (CBA), I'm looking at DBA. Some cars, regardless of mods, have issues with the bellhousing.

[Pistonheader101]

Ask on gtr.co.uk

[g7jhp]

I'm not a GTR owner (Porsche is more my thing), but like all marques best to get into the forums and speaking to enthusiasts to find out the relevant info.

If you want a GTR ask the GTR owners on the GTR forums in the UK.

They should be able to point you in the direction of the reputable official and independent dealers and those to steer clear of.

http://www.gtr.co.uk/

You should also be able to find a reputable specialist to check the car.

Take time in reading up and getting to know the background as that'll save you time and money in the long run.

[Pistonheader101]

g7jhp said:

I'm not a GTR owner (Porsche is more my thing), but like all marques best to get into the forums and speaking to enthusiasts to find out the relevant info.

If you want a GTR ask the GTR owners on the GTR forums in the UK.

They should be able to point you in the direction of the reputable official and independent dealers and those to steer clear of.

http://www.gtr.co.uk/

You should also be able to find a reputable specialist to check the car.

Take time in reading up and getting to know the background as that'll save you time and money in the long run.

Oh snap!

[Z064life]

Actually been on gtr.co.uk but can go again

[anonymous-user]

Z064life said:

Would agree but that wouldn't be practical? I.E. I can't borrow someone from one of the indy garages for a day?

Thats what I've done in the past, albeit for a different marque.

[Trevor555]

Z064life said:

JamesRR said:

I’ve no personal experience of GTRs, but I’d imagine with them it would be wise to employ an independent marque specialist to conduct a pre purchase examination, rather than the RAC etc. Just with regards the specialist nature of the car.

Would agree but that wouldn't be practical? I.E. I can't borrow someone from one of the indy garages for a day?

I'm sure you could if you paid them.

They are so expensive to repair, do whatever you can to avoid buying one with a list of faults.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd speak to a specialist like Litchfield they'll probably know of a customer or have one in stock, for me that would be the route I'd go down first.

[steve-5snwi]

I remember selling a 700bhp svm one, most people enquring asked sensible questions, it was a pain though as you had to take it out for a 10 mile drive before anyone showed up so you could get it warmed up enough - engine and gearbox, it was noisy and not very nice, it had had a used gearbox and new clutch packs at some point.

Warranty companies would not touch it, so bare in mind if buying go to a dealer who will support you if things go wrong. On the ratings, look for verified purchases and the odd 1 star wouldn't put me off. Where I was had lots of 5 star reviews but I wouldn't buy a car from there now even though they still get them. Buy on the car, not the reviews.

[Z064life]

Ok contacted a few specialists about the inspection service, waiting to hear back on what they say. That's a must with a "niche" car like this. Seems like this is often done in the community, just not heard of it before.

Cost of repairs isn't bad if (and I will) I use an indy specialist like Litchfields. Go via Nissan and the car is unaffordable!

I will change the circlips etc for peace of mind etc, get a proper alarm, etc, so cost does add up... but a car is a commitment, not a toy.